Programs & Rebates
Save Water & Money
Every local resident and business can play a role in helping to conserve St. Pete’s precious water resources. The City and its partners assist customers with their water conservation efforts by providing publications, rebates, and giveaway items. Funding is limited for all programs. Items are available on a first-come, first-served basis unless otherwise stated; a waiting list is unavailable.
Sensible Sprinkling Program
St. Petersburg water customers with in-ground sprinkler systems using potable, reclaimed, or well water can receive a free sprinkler system checkup and become more water-wise through the free Sensible Sprinkling Program.
Eligible customers receive, for no charge:
- Sprinkler system evaluation with site-specific recommendations
- Installation of a rain sensor
- Automatic shut-off hose nozzle
- Diagram of your sprinkler layout
- Water conservation tips
Apply for the Sensible Sprinkling Program
Applications are now being accepted. For more information, email SensibleSprinkling@stpete.org or call 727-892-5611.
Rainwater Rebate Program
Rebates are available to single-family residential stormwater utility customers when they install rainwater catchment devices such as rain barrels, rain totes or rain gardens.
|
Device Type |
Rebate Amount |
|
Rain Barrel (40-80 gallons) |
$50 |
|
Rain Tote (275 or 330 gallons) |
$100 |
|
Rain Garden |
$100 |
GENERAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
- Attend a Rainwater Guardian Workshop and provide proof of attendance, if applicable.
- Be a St. Petersburg stormwater utility customer in good standing (no pending payments over 30 days late).
- Obtain and submit an application signed by the property owner or representative designated by the property owner.
- Provide required documents for verification.
- Meet additional requirements of the specific rebate device, as detailed in the Program Guidelines (coming soon).
RESOURCES
Rainwater Rebate Program Handbook
- Rainwater Rebate Program
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Rain Barrel Rebate
- Rain Tote Rebate
- Rain Garden Rebate
Landscape Site Analysis Checklist
Rain Barrels: A Homeowners Guide
RAINWATER GUARDIAN WORKSHOPS
Collecting rainwater is an excellent way to save resources. With ½” of rainfall, residents can collect 300 gallons of water from 1,000 square feet of roof. Attend a Rainwater Guardian Workshop to learn about:
- Reducing the use of potable (drinking) water for lawn and garden irrigation
- How rainwater harvesting helps protect local waterways and the environment
- Rain barrel setup, use, and maintenance
- Creating shallow rain gardens that are attractive and functional
Workshops are free and pre-registration is required for attendance. Click the link below to find upcoming workshops. Classes and events may be canceled at any time due to low registration or other circumstances. St. Petersburg utility customers may receive a rain barrel upon completion of a Rainwater Guardian Workshop. Rain barrels will be available at a future date once physical distancing and other public health standards can be assured.
Upcoming Rainwater Guardian Workshops
Find upcoming workshops here.
APPLY FOR A RAINWATER REBATE
Complete the preliminary application request form below to get the process started. Any questions, email RainwaterRebates@stpete.org or call 727-892-5611.
Application Request Form
Restaurant Spray Valve Replacement Program for Food Service Providers
Foodservice providers can receive a free water-efficient pre-rinse spray valve. This dishwashing valve is more forceful and precise in removing particles from dishware and could reduce water use by up to 300 gallons a day. St. Petersburg water customers who are also owners or managers of restaurants, nursing homes, care facilities, hospitals, retail establishments or other businesses with a pre-rinse wash station can obtain more information by calling 727-892-5611.
Indoor Water Conservation Kits
The St. Petersburg Water Resources Department is providing indoor conservation kits to water customers. Each kit includes a low-flow showerhead, toilet leak detection dye tabs, and faucet aerators for the kitchen and bathroom. To receive a free kit, St. Petersburg water customers should bring a utility bill to the Water Resources Department at 1650 Third Avenue North, Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.
High Efficiency Toilet Retrofit Rebate
Tampa Bay Water Wise is offering rebates of up to $100 to homeowners who replace their existing toilets that use 3.5 gallons or more per flush with high efficiency EPA WaterSense certified toilets. More information on the Tampa Bay Water Wise website.
Smart Irrigation Controllers Rebate
Tampa Bay Water Wise is offering rebates of up to $250 to homeowners who over-water their landscapes and install a soil moisture sensor or evapotranspiration controller. More information on the Tampa Bay Water Wise website.
Shallow Wells for Outdoor Irrigation Rebate
Tampa Bay Water Wise is offering rebates of up to $1,000 to homeowners designated as deficit or excessive irrigators for the installation of a shallow well to replace potable water irrigation. More information on the Tampa Bay Water Wise website.
Rebates for Businesses & Organizations
Office buildings, hotels, restaurants, hospitals, schools, multi-family properties, builders, and more can benefit from rebates for making water-efficient choices. Tampa Bay Water Wise offers rebates for high efficiency toilets, urinals, cooling towers, commercial dishwashers, spray valves, urinals, and more. The Customizable Rebate offers reimbursement of up to 75% of project costs, up to $40,000 per project. More information on the Tampa Bay Water Wise website.
Water Incentives Supporting Efficiency
The Southwest Florida Water Management District offers rebates for eligible water-saving projects. More information on the WISE website.
Awards
St. Petersburg residents are discovering that a few simple changes can dramatically decrease water use, improve the health and beauty of their landscapes, and help preserve Florida's natural environment.
The annual Tampa Bay Community Water Wise Award is awarded to curators of attractive, water-efficient landscapes that conserve water and protect the environment. Individuals and businesses can apply to be recognized for their yard's beauty and resiliency.
Winners receive a special prize and have the opportunity to be recognized by local elected officials at the awards ceremony held in conjunction with the annual City Beautification Awards at Sunken Gardens.
Learn more and apply for a Tampa Bay Community Water Wise Awards on the Water Wise Awards page.